Features

Feature Story Social media list

13 social media accounts that love Bay County

Discover the beauty of Bay County on these 13 social media accounts that uplift our community.

Development News Boys & Girls Clubs list image

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region gets a fresh look

The Boys & Girls Clubs Great Lakes Bay Region has served young people in the Bay City area for 67 years. Recently, the club made improvements to its Bay City facility on Lafayette Avenue.

Feature Story Fall list

From orchards and fall colors to a haunted ship, the Great Lakes Bay Region celebrates fall

Whether you're seeking spooky thrills, family-friendly fun, or the beauty of autumn's changing leaves, you'll find it in Bay County this fall. 

Feature Story School books list

'The Way Forward,' agreement opens pathways between Delta and SVSU

Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University signed a formal agreement making it easier than ever for students to start their college career at Delta and end at SVSU.  

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Feature Story Miss Michigan Miss Bay County Jenae Lodewyk list

From pageant newcomer to state crown, Miss Bay County is the reigning Miss Michigan

Jenae Lodewyk, a Bangor John Glenn High School graduate and the reigning Miss Michigan, uses the pageant platform to empower women.

Feature Story Consumers Energy list

Study draws a picture of the possibilities at the former Karn site in Hampton Township

A comprehensive study, titled "Where the River Meets the Bay," calls for transforming the former Dan E. Karn Generating Plant site into a public space featuring outdoor recreation areas, natural habitat, mixed-use development, and a clean energy complex.

Longform Elizabeth Agius

Michigan organizations, universities, and agencies growing the public health workforce

Michigan, as well as the rest of the world, is going through a health care workforce shortage. The Michigan Health Council’s (MHC) Michigan Health Care Workforce Index projects that nearly all 36 health care occupations will experience workforce shortages between now and 2033.

Longform GHS Urgent Care

Funding gap threatens care for Michiganders utilizing community mental health

Michigan’s community mental health agencies face deep revenue gaps this year — a projected $93 million.

Feature Story Energize list

Bay Area Energize celebrates 15 years of helping young professionals launch careers

Bay Area Energize, a program of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrates its 15th anniversary. This networking organization fosters personal and professional growth, community engagement, and lifelong friendships among professionals under 40.  

Feature Story Indie Spot mural list

New murals in Bay City add a splash of color to the community

A summer festival rallied volunteers and artists to create three murals on the sides of buildings in two Bay City neighborhoods.   

Feature Story HHM Logo

Independent films and live music take center stage during the Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival

The Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival begins Thurs., Sept. 26 and ends Sun., Sept. 29.

Feature Story BayAreaCommunityFoundation

Bay Area Community Foundation to honor three people for their legacy of giving and leadership

In September, Bob and Joyce Hetzler and Cathy Washabaugh will be awarded the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award. The honor recognizes their volunteer efforts to uplift Bay County.  

Feature Story United Way list image

Families face challenges in paying for basic necessities, even when wages rise

Nearly half of Bay County families are making less money than it costs to live here. Nicole Luczak from the United Way of Bay County recently explained how quickly working families can find themselves unable to make ends meet.

Feature Story Bay County Library System 50th list image

Happy Birthday! This month the Bay County Library System celebrates 50 years

Fifty years ago, five separate libraries in Bay County united to form one county-wide system. This month, the Bay County Library System celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of events.

Feature Story Bay City State Park list

Bay City State Park renovations bring visitors and positive responses

Visitors can experience a recently renovated Bay City State Park, with new and improved parking lots, sidewalks, pedestrian signs, bus zones, electric vehicle parking spots, and an upgraded visitor center.  

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.

Development News John Montgomery

Fourth Estate acquires Issue Media Group, the parent company of Route Bay City

Network of local news outlets will continue two-decade legacy of community-driven journalism.

Feature Story Great Lakes Prid

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride in August

After June's cancellation, Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival brought the rainbow to match the rain at Bay City’s Wenonah Park in August.

Community Calendar

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